On May 15, 2025, the Rajasthan High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the State government’s affidavit regarding the non-functioning of 16 Permanent Lok Adalats (PLAs) and directed the Principal Secretary of the Legal Affairs Department to appear in person on May 22.

The court had earlier taken suo motu cognizance of a Dainik Bhaskar report highlighting that, due to a State Government order dated April 9, 2025, 16 PLAs had ceased functioning, leading to approximately 972 pending cases in Jodhpur alone and potentially around 10,000 cases statewide.

During the hearing, amicus curiae Senior Advocate Manish Sisodia criticized the State’s affidavit as “cryptic” and lacking reference to the April 9 order. The court noted that communications from November 19, 2024, had proposed extending the tenure of 21 PLA members across 17 districts. However, the April 9, 2025, communications emphasized that, under Rule 4(2) of the Permanent Lok Adalat (Other Terms and Conditions of Appointment of Chairman and Other Persons) Amendment Rules, 2016, the tenure of PLA members is limited to five years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.

The High Court underscored the critical role of PLAs in providing accessible justice and expressed concern over the administrative decisions leading to their non-functioning. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 22, 2025.

Sources